One of the things many boomers fear is the memory decline that is frequently a part of aging. We all want to find ways to avoid that. According to a study of 122,000 registered nurses over a 25 year period, those who ate the most blueberries and strawberries showed the least amount of memory decline or at least delayed its onset by the several years.
The study was conducted by Harvard researchers and reported in the April 26, 2012 issue of "Annals of Neurology." In a report on study, CBS News Medical Correspondent, Dr. Holly Phillips, attributed the beneficial effects to the flavonoids present in the berries as well as in dark chocolate. Those flavonoids have both antioxidants and anti-inflammatory qualities which may offset the factors which are believed to cause memory decline.
While of course, you can eat blueberries by themselves, one special treat my wife makes is blueberry cobbler from scratch. She has agreed to share her recipe with everyone:
Betsy's Blueberry Cobbler
Preheat Oven at 375 degrees
Filling Ingredients:
4 cups fresh blueberries
1 cup granulated sugar
3 T. all purpose flour
Pinch of salt
1 t. grated lemon peel
1 T. lemon juice
Mix these ingredients in a bowl
Topping Ingredients:
2 cups all purpose flour
4 T. sugar
1/2 t. salt
4 t. baking powder
8 T. chilled butter, cubed
12 T. milk
Put fruit filing in bottom of 9" glass pie plate
Combine dry ingredients and stir using pastry blender
Work butter into dry ingredients until mixture resembles tiny peas
Slowly add milk and stir
Gather dough together and knead until smooth
Place dough on top blueberry mixture
Dough should cover most of pie
Drizzle 2 T. of melted butter on top, if desired
Bake 35-45 minutes at 375 degrees until lightly browned
Cool on rack
Enjoy!!
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
New York, New York
Shop Amazon - Fall Outlet Event
"New York, New York, it's a wonderful town. The Bronx is up but the Battery's down."
These lyrics from the musical play, "On the Town," convey only a small part of the excitement that is New York City. Recently, we had the opportunity to visit New York and with our son took a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
The tour begins in Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan. Battery Park refers to the gun batteries that had once been located there to protect the island. Tickets for the ferry to the Statute of Liberty and Ellis Island are sold at a kiosk in the park. Although the two attractions are run by the National Parks Service, the National Parks Senior Pass, unfortunately, is not honored for the tour. When asked, the ticket seller said it was because the ferries are operated by a concessionaire. In any event, a small discount ($3) is offered to seniors from the full price adult ticket price of $17.
There was a rather long line to get on the ferry but because it was a weekday, it went by rather quickly. The ferry was appropriately named "Miss Liberty" and had two decks, one inside and one outside. We opted for the upper deck which was just perfect for the beautiful, sunny day we were on board.
The price of a ticket offers you the opportunity to visit the Statue of Liberty, then Ellis Island and finally a return trip to Battery Park .Unfortunately, the Statue of Liberty is currently closed for removations. Nonetheless, the ferry ride is well worth the visit as shown by these photos.
What most people (including some New Yorkers) do not know is that there are fabulous views of Manhattan from New York harbor. These are just a few of those views.
In our next post, we will review two fabulous New York restaurants, Gramercy Tavern and Del Posto.
"New York, New York, it's a wonderful town. The Bronx is up but the Battery's down."
These lyrics from the musical play, "On the Town," convey only a small part of the excitement that is New York City. Recently, we had the opportunity to visit New York and with our son took a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
The tour begins in Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan. Battery Park refers to the gun batteries that had once been located there to protect the island. Tickets for the ferry to the Statute of Liberty and Ellis Island are sold at a kiosk in the park. Although the two attractions are run by the National Parks Service, the National Parks Senior Pass, unfortunately, is not honored for the tour. When asked, the ticket seller said it was because the ferries are operated by a concessionaire. In any event, a small discount ($3) is offered to seniors from the full price adult ticket price of $17.
There was a rather long line to get on the ferry but because it was a weekday, it went by rather quickly. The ferry was appropriately named "Miss Liberty" and had two decks, one inside and one outside. We opted for the upper deck which was just perfect for the beautiful, sunny day we were on board.
The price of a ticket offers you the opportunity to visit the Statue of Liberty, then Ellis Island and finally a return trip to Battery Park .Unfortunately, the Statue of Liberty is currently closed for removations. Nonetheless, the ferry ride is well worth the visit as shown by these photos.
What most people (including some New Yorkers) do not know is that there are fabulous views of Manhattan from New York harbor. These are just a few of those views.
In our next post, we will review two fabulous New York restaurants, Gramercy Tavern and Del Posto.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Will Eating Less Let Boomers Live Longer?
Will eating less let boomers live longer? Apparently the answer to that question, unfortunately, is "No." In a recent study conducted by the National Institute of Aging and reported in the journal Nature, August 23, 2012, it was determined that large calorie restrictions by humans will not prolong your life despite the fact that other studies in monkeys and rats have shown just that effect. Those studies convinced some people that the fountain of youth lay in eating significantly less than most people need to function.
So, what type of restrictions are we talking about? Well, the average adult human consumes about 2200 calories a day. The believers in extreme calorie restrictions have cut their calorie intake by as much as 30 to 40 percent. Earlier studies in mammals and other animals suggested an increase in lifespan by as much as an astounding 50% as a result of such restrictions. While there is no question that many people consume too many calories which may shorten their lifespan, it appears eating too few calories will not necessarily have the opposite effect.
While the Nature article is certainly intriguing for its conclusions, it is unlikely that it will end the debate over calorie restrictions. As with anything else, people will continue to believe what they want to believe. If they feel better eating less, I am sure people will continue doing so. As for me, I think moderation in caloric intake, as well as most other things, is still the key to good health and longevity. On the other hand, I am reminded of the statement once made by Edwin Land, the inventor of the Polaroid camera, "Anything worth doing, is worth doing to excess."
Let us know what you think.
Shop Amazon - Fall Outlet Event
Friday, September 14, 2012
A Boomer in Florence: The Ponte Vecchio and Mille Miglia
Last year, we had occasion to visit Florence, Italy as part of our Mediterranean cruise. One of the highlights of our visit there (and there were many) was the Ponte Vecchio. The Ponte Vecchio or "Old Bridge" was built across the Arno river in 1345. At the time it was built up to the present, it has served as a sort of mall of shops. Originally, the shops were mostly butcher shops. Today, they are mostly jewelry shops with beautiful items and high prices.
The bridge seems always to be crowded with shoppers, although we rarely saw anyone actually go in the high end stores. Most people were window shopping as we were.
As we were leaving the bridge we came upon several police officers, carabinieri, stopping traffic and people from crossing the street. Soon we found out why as several vintage sports cars came whizzing around the bend in front of us.
We learned that this was the famous "mille miglia" or 1000 mile race. It is held each year in May. Originally it was an endurance, open road race between Brescia, Italy and Rome and back again. It was held from 1927 until 1957 (except for the years during World War II) but was stopped after numerous deaths during the course of the race. It was renewed in 1982 as a road rally. It was exciting to see the vintage sports cars race through the streets of Florence with crowds of people on all sides.
The bridge seems always to be crowded with shoppers, although we rarely saw anyone actually go in the high end stores. Most people were window shopping as we were.
As we were leaving the bridge we came upon several police officers, carabinieri, stopping traffic and people from crossing the street. Soon we found out why as several vintage sports cars came whizzing around the bend in front of us.
We learned that this was the famous "mille miglia" or 1000 mile race. It is held each year in May. Originally it was an endurance, open road race between Brescia, Italy and Rome and back again. It was held from 1927 until 1957 (except for the years during World War II) but was stopped after numerous deaths during the course of the race. It was renewed in 1982 as a road rally. It was exciting to see the vintage sports cars race through the streets of Florence with crowds of people on all sides.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Travels with Charley Revisited
One of my favorite travel books and probably the one I enjoyed reading the most is "Travels with Charley In Search of America", by John Steinbeck. Steinbeck, the Nobel Prize winning author of "The Grapes of Wrath" describes his cross-country adventures with his beloved poodle Charley. In a truck with a camper attached (whimsically called, "Rocinante" in honor of Don Quixote's horse), this slim book details an America very different than that encountered by the Joad family as they traveled from Oklahoma to California.
Recently, I had occasion to dip back into the book and was as excited by it as I had been when I first read it years ago. Steinbeck's prose and facility with words demonstrates why his fiction work is so enduring. "East of Eden," "Cannery Row," "Of Mice and Men", these, as with "The Grapes of Wrath" itself, describe places we all would like to see---our own America. In "Travels with Charley," Steinbeck uses his skills to describe not only a part of that country such as Salinas, California, the setting of several of his books, but the entire country.
If you are an armchair traveler or if you want a guide to an America which you may never have seen before, pick up a copy of the book. Amazon is pre-selling a 50th anniversary paperback edition for $10.88 and a Kindle edition for $9.99. www.amazon.com. Reading or rereading this book will undoubtedly satisfy your wanderlust or maybe just fan the flames that get you started down a similar path as Steinbeck. I am sure that not a few baby boomers in their RVs have done or will do just that.
Recently there have been some efforts to debunk the Steinbeck stories, most notably in the New York Times, "The Truth About Charley", April 9, 2011, www.NYTimes.com. Some of the stories may be implausible as the opinion suggested, but the fact is that it is still a good read and travel adventure.
Recently, I had occasion to dip back into the book and was as excited by it as I had been when I first read it years ago. Steinbeck's prose and facility with words demonstrates why his fiction work is so enduring. "East of Eden," "Cannery Row," "Of Mice and Men", these, as with "The Grapes of Wrath" itself, describe places we all would like to see---our own America. In "Travels with Charley," Steinbeck uses his skills to describe not only a part of that country such as Salinas, California, the setting of several of his books, but the entire country.
If you are an armchair traveler or if you want a guide to an America which you may never have seen before, pick up a copy of the book. Amazon is pre-selling a 50th anniversary paperback edition for $10.88 and a Kindle edition for $9.99. www.amazon.com. Reading or rereading this book will undoubtedly satisfy your wanderlust or maybe just fan the flames that get you started down a similar path as Steinbeck. I am sure that not a few baby boomers in their RVs have done or will do just that.
Recently there have been some efforts to debunk the Steinbeck stories, most notably in the New York Times, "The Truth About Charley", April 9, 2011, www.NYTimes.com. Some of the stories may be implausible as the opinion suggested, but the fact is that it is still a good read and travel adventure.
Melatonin, iPads and Sleep: Science You Can Use Today
How many of us check our iPads or tablets for emails before going to bed? I know I do and I suspect that most of you do too. Well, it turns out that might be why you are having trouble getting to sleep because the light from your iPad or computer may be suppressing the production of the sleep inducing hormone, melatonin.
Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland located above the middle of the brain. According to the National Sleep Foundation, it is "turned off" during the day and becomes active around 9 pm as light is reduced. Melatonin remains in the blood for about 12 hours and is virtually absent from the blood during the day. Many people with sleep problems take supplements of melatonin in the hopes of elevating their levels of melatonin to aid in sleeping. The answer to their problem, however, might be to just turn off that iPad several hours before going to bed.
In an article in The New York Times today, there is a discussion of a study published in the journal, Applied Ergonomics which strongly suggests that there is a connection between the bright light of the iPad and the suppression of melatonin in the hour or so before trying to fall asleep. According to the article, studies have shown that two hours of exposure to the iPad's screen can reduce the amount of melatonin in the bloodstream by up to 22 percent.
Given these studies, it seems like a no brainer: stop using that iPad or other device and sleep better.
Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland located above the middle of the brain. According to the National Sleep Foundation, it is "turned off" during the day and becomes active around 9 pm as light is reduced. Melatonin remains in the blood for about 12 hours and is virtually absent from the blood during the day. Many people with sleep problems take supplements of melatonin in the hopes of elevating their levels of melatonin to aid in sleeping. The answer to their problem, however, might be to just turn off that iPad several hours before going to bed.
In an article in The New York Times today, there is a discussion of a study published in the journal, Applied Ergonomics which strongly suggests that there is a connection between the bright light of the iPad and the suppression of melatonin in the hour or so before trying to fall asleep. According to the article, studies have shown that two hours of exposure to the iPad's screen can reduce the amount of melatonin in the bloodstream by up to 22 percent.
Given these studies, it seems like a no brainer: stop using that iPad or other device and sleep better.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
On the Road to Ephesus
Located about 200 miles miles from Istanbul is the Turkish town of Ephesus, Turkey. It is the place where, according to the Bible, St. Paul was imprisoned and where Mary, the Mother of Jesus is reputed to have lived when she was brought there by St. John the Evangelist following the Crucifixion.. Some twenty-nine years of excavations have revealed one of the most intact Roman and Greek ruins in the world.. At one time it was the second largest city in the Eastern Mediterranean and the capital of the Roman province of Asia. Originally a Greek city first built around 1000 BC, it became the chief port on the Aegean Sea with a population of around 290,000.
Today, the ruins of those ancient civilizations can be seen in a mile-long corridor of a marble road rutted with the wheels of chariots.One of the most impressive of these ruins is the Library of Celsus. The library was built in honor of the Governor of the Roman province of Asia between 117 and 125 A.D. Much of the facade of the library remains. Plaster copies of statues which represented the intellectual virtues of wisdom , goodness , thought and knowledge adorn the niches .
Library of Celsus
Located nearby is the house of the Virgin Mary. It was discovered by a German nun, Katharina Emmerich in the 19th century. In 1891 the Lazarian priests established a shrine in honor of the Virgin Mary. It has now become a pilgrimage site for both Muslims and Christians alike. While we were there, we met a nun who was going to come to the United States for a retreat not far from our home. Quite a remarkable coincidence !
Shrine of the Home of the Virgin Mary
- 98C21003B9A74C1E063E7AD9BF9A0C7C
Today, the ruins of those ancient civilizations can be seen in a mile-long corridor of a marble road rutted with the wheels of chariots.One of the most impressive of these ruins is the Library of Celsus. The library was built in honor of the Governor of the Roman province of Asia between 117 and 125 A.D. Much of the facade of the library remains. Plaster copies of statues which represented the intellectual virtues of wisdom , goodness , thought and knowledge adorn the niches .
Library of Celsus
Located nearby is the house of the Virgin Mary. It was discovered by a German nun, Katharina Emmerich in the 19th century. In 1891 the Lazarian priests established a shrine in honor of the Virgin Mary. It has now become a pilgrimage site for both Muslims and Christians alike. While we were there, we met a nun who was going to come to the United States for a retreat not far from our home. Quite a remarkable coincidence !
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)